SHIELDER
Chapter 1 - Volunteer
3 years later previous time
Li - 19
Sakura 17
Tori - 23
Only one small object adorned the pitifully small grave. A toy. Once again the spirit of death had shown no compasion, no discrimination in choosing it's prey. The Orana virus had performed the evil purpose the Controllers intended. It's lastest victum was a young child, barely four seasons old. She did not care! She could not feel . .
Fellings, emotions were something Sakura had buried deep inside her, eons ago. If she did feel anything - anything at all - it would be for the children, the ones who had not yet learned to despise her. Her leg throbbed in protest against the pressure and the dampness as she leant forward and pressed her forehead to the cool, damp earth in prayer for the dead child.
The Controllers had created a weapon more horrible, more devious than any fusion cannon or photon torpedo: a deadly virus, capable of breaching and destroying a Shielder's only protection against them, a natural mind barrier.
Sakura stood up and stretched, aching with stiffness. Shivering, she hugged her worn tunic close to her thin body. She limped away from the burial grounds and into the main compound, territory nomally forbidden to her.
Outside the assembly hall entrance she paused, gathering her courage. She already knew why the Council had adjourned the meeting inside - and what must be done. She turned to look at her beautiful homeland. If the Council accepted her offer, this could be the last time she might ever get to se her homeland. Taking a shaky breath, Sakura walked into the assembly hall. The hall was large enough to hold the entire Shielder colony and the closeness of the bodies inside, didn't dispell the cool dampness inside.
Fortunately, the entrance lay at the rear of the hall, so no one noticed her presence. At the far end the Council members sat upon a raised dais around a massive hald-circle of stone. The Council head, Captain Aiden san Avalon, stood explaining the crisis. Sakura slipped to the side of the crowd, where she could observe her father speaking.
" Our situation is critical. Five more colonists have been infected. We can delay no longer. We must take a sample of the Orana virus to our labortaory at Sonoma. It's the only Shielder facility capable of developing and antidote. " Aiden told the gathering.
" As if that isn't challenge enough, there's another problem. With the Controller's agents scanning most interseller space vechicles, the virus must be transported via a live host to prevent detection. "
The crowd acted audibly as his meaning sank in. The virus would be carried within the volunteer's body. Preferably someone dispensible, Sakura thought.
Someone such as herself.
" The person must be able to man a star-class ship. " Tori added. " Only a star class ship in capable of the trek. "
Sakura drank in the sight of her brother, pride momentarily dimming her inner turmoil.Tori displayed the calm, controlled assurance befitting a future Coiuncil head, the position he would inherit from their father. He represented everything she would never be.
" Do we have any volunteers? " Aiden scanned the faces of the Shielders grouped around the hall.
They shifted their feet nervously, shaking their heads and shrugging. Elder Gabe van Ardon stepped forward.
" I'll do it. I'm old and I've lived my life. My fighting skills are wanning. I'll carry the virus. "
Murmers of protest swept the room. Everyone respected the elder, a knowledgeable and skillful battle tactician. Most would certainly prefer Sakura's suggestion. Fear surged through her, followed by a flare of determination. No matter how disfigured she might be, no matter how flawed, she was still a Shielder, sworn enemy to the Controllers. She would never be allowed into combat against them, but she still could contribute to the cause. Resolute, she shoved her way to the front of the crowd.
" Don't sacrifice someone of value. Send me instead. "
Startled gasps of outrage and horror filled the room as he crowd around her hasitly parted and pressed back a safe distance. Sakura ignored them, but Aiden's icy gaze pierced her bolstered bravado.
" You know you are not allowed here. " he stated coldly. " Get out, or I will have you removed. "
Not just her father's callous words, but also his granite expression, wrenched Sakura deep inside. No love, no warmth, no sign of concern - of any feeling at all - for his only daughter, showed on his face. Sometimes she thought even hatred would be preferable to this frigid inifference.
She almost forgot her purpose here, tomented by the unanswered litany of questions rising from her soul. Spirit of being, why me? She pushed aside the futile question. Adrenaline pounded through her body, but she managed to meet Aiden's glare evenly.
" You have no other use for me Captain. "
" Hai, you are right about that. Not only are you useless to this colony, but your presence only upsets its members. " Aiden glowered accusingly at Tori.
Mutterings of agreement rose around Sakura. There was no need to put Aiden's thoughts into words, she knew what they were thinking. She shouldn't be alive to plague the colony, partaking of their pitifully few resources - wouldn't be, if it hadn't been for Tori.
Clenching her hands tightly at her side, she drew herself up to the fullest of her height.
" Then let me carry the virus to Sonoma. "
" Foolishness! " Elder Gabe scoffed. " The girl's not right in the head, we all know that. She couldn't possibly pilot a ship.
" Gabe's right. " Mara, a female soldier, agreed. " Possessed as she is, she probably couldn't get to Sonoma, much less communicate with the technicians there. "
" She's crazy, that's what she is. "
" Get here out of here before she jinxes us. "
Throughout it all, Sakura made herself stand quietly, to give no outward sign of recognition to the barbs. She'd heard then many times before.
With an angry slash of his arm, Aiden silenced the protestors.
" Enough! It is agreed we can't let a simpleminded girl who knows not the first thing about starships carry this virus to Sonoma, Sakura! Leave now! "
" I know how to pilot a starship. I've flown one many times. " Sakura turned to look at her brother.
" Tell them, Tori. "
All eyes focussed of Tori, he shook his head warningly at Sakura.
" Her offer in unacceptable. I'm one of your best pilots. I will go. "
She knew he wanted to protect her, as he had for so long now. As he had when the members of the colony voted to have her euthanized after her first seizures, which had caused her accident that crippled her. Afraid to die, she had allowed him to intervene on her behalf. At the time Sakura had despised herself for her cowardice. But no more.
" Let this wretched life have some worth, " she pleaded to her brother. " By the spirit, Tori, let me contribute like everyone else. "
Tori starred at her for a long moment, finally dropping his head in resignation. He turned to Aiden with a sigh.
" She does know how to fly a starship, sir. I taught her. I took her with me on solo reconnaissance missions. She's an adequate pilot. "
Shock etched Aiden's face, followed by a flush of anger.
" You had no right. But we'll deal with that later. Right now, we have more pressing mattters to attend to. " his gaze settled on Sakura, assessing her.
" So, you can pilot a ship, and you volunteer to carry a sample of the virus to Sonoma? "
" Hai, I volunteer. " Sakura replied, heart in her throat.
" And you are aware the virus will be inplanted within your body and that you will develop an active case of Orana within in one moon cycle? "
Her throat constricted, but she pressed on.
" Hai. "
" I assume you are also aware that those with Orana lose thier funtion of their mind shields, leaving them defenseless against the Controllers. Within days after the sheild loss, they die a hideous death. "
" I understand fully. "
Aiden assessed for a moment and then turned to the Council members.
" We could program the ship's destination and lock out override. Then she wouldn't be able to alter the course. She'd just have to monitor the basic ship functions. I vote, hai. "
The Coiuncil members raised their hands in agreement. Aiden nodded and turned back to her.
" It is decided then. Sakura dan Avalon will carry the virus to Sonoma. "
Several people threw her dirty looks, but Sakura ignored then as they dispersed. As awarenes of her victory set in, the strength deserted her Sakura's good leg. She stumbled and almost fell, but Tori caught her.
" I wish you wouldn't do this. " he told her.
She raised her eyes to his concerned expression.
" I have to. " she whispered. " I can no longer endure this existence. "
For she had just likely signed her death warrant. . .
* * *
Cluthing her bundle against her, Sakura approached her mother. Her stomach throbbed where the Orana virus had been injected into her, and the crude tunic of the pilgrim, rubbed against her skin. Aiden and Tori had concoted her disguise of a pilgrim traveling to Zirak to pay homage at the goddess Shara's shrine.
It was a clever idea, since Zirak was only 2 days light travel from Sonoms. Many pilgrims went there this time of year. Her disguise would easily decieve the Anteks, who patrolled all airspace for the Controllers.
But Sakura was thinking of her masquerade as she approached Natasha. Although she hadn't spoken to her mother for these seven seasons past, a compelling need drew her now. With her world about to change forever, the posible end of her life looming, Sakura yearned for the comfort only a mother could provide. It was childish, she knew, but then, she's been but a child the day her parents had turned their backs on her.
It was harsh, but it was the reality of the Shielder existence everywhere in the galaxy. The Controllers had driven the Shielders into the most destitute corners of space. With so few resources available, necessity dictated the survival of the fittest. Parents sharred their meager supplies and limited energies only with their healthy offspring. There was no time to mourn those euthanized or left behind to die.
It was a difficult reality for a girl of ten seasons to understand. Even after seven seasons, the pain of desertion lingered like a festuring wound.
Sakura starred at her mother as she went about her daily chores. She still looked young as ever, but deep lines scored her face, the result of Liron's unrelenting sun in the hotter months.
" Natasha? " she asked softly.
Natasha's head snapped up, her gaze narrowing.
" What do you want? "
" I'm getting ready to deport for Sonoma. "
Natasha drew herself up to her regal height Sakura knew she'd never reach.
" So I head. Why are you here? "
Sakura struggled to find words, which did not come readily to her. What could she have expected from what once had been her mother? A hug? A kiss goodbye?
" I wanted to say good-bye. "
Natasha starred at her, seemingly unmoved. With a glimmer of insight, Sakura thought perhaps the only way a parent could turn her back on her child was by forcing herself to no longer care. Her parents had certainly succeeded.
" Well, you've said it. " Natasha stated gruffly. " Be off with you then. " she whirled and strode into the hut behind her.
That was that. Fighting waves of despair, Sakura slid her burlap pack on her back and trudged away. Her mother would feel differently when she returned with the antidote for the virus. They all would.
Out of sight of Natasha, Sakura took the pack off her back and it shook and trembled as she undid the strings binding it. Kero's head popped out as he struggled to climb up on her shoulder.
" Kero! Get back inside. " she scooped the lanrax up and stuffed him back inside the bag.
" I just wanted to check on you. "
" Sakura! Wait up! "
She turned to see Tori hurrying down the hill. He smiled when he saw Kero.
" I'm glad you're taking Kero. He'll be good company on the trip. "
Sakura nestled the bag against her and looked up at Tori. Her emerald eyes dull with all the years of pain and suffering.
" I wanted to see you off. " Tori said softly looking at her.
" Oh. " she was accustomed to being an outcast, it hadn't occured to her that anyone would want to see her departure.
They headed towards the cliff, where the deep caves carved into a steep rock expanses hid the colony's ships. They walked in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
* * *
Sakura looked up at her brother and started to board the ship.
" Wait. "
She turned to look at Tori.
" Here. " he handed her a small pouch.
It clinked when she took it, and her head snapped up to look at him stunned. Money? He had given her money?
" Thank you. " she whispered. " Good-bye Onii-chan. "
Tori fought the tears that were threatening to spill.
" The Spirit be with you, imouta. Take great care. "
Then he did something that no one had done since her first seizure.
He hugged her.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
BW2 Please review! x x x
Chapter 1 - Volunteer
3 years later previous time
Li - 19
Sakura 17
Tori - 23
Only one small object adorned the pitifully small grave. A toy. Once again the spirit of death had shown no compasion, no discrimination in choosing it's prey. The Orana virus had performed the evil purpose the Controllers intended. It's lastest victum was a young child, barely four seasons old. She did not care! She could not feel . .
Fellings, emotions were something Sakura had buried deep inside her, eons ago. If she did feel anything - anything at all - it would be for the children, the ones who had not yet learned to despise her. Her leg throbbed in protest against the pressure and the dampness as she leant forward and pressed her forehead to the cool, damp earth in prayer for the dead child.
The Controllers had created a weapon more horrible, more devious than any fusion cannon or photon torpedo: a deadly virus, capable of breaching and destroying a Shielder's only protection against them, a natural mind barrier.
Sakura stood up and stretched, aching with stiffness. Shivering, she hugged her worn tunic close to her thin body. She limped away from the burial grounds and into the main compound, territory nomally forbidden to her.
Outside the assembly hall entrance she paused, gathering her courage. She already knew why the Council had adjourned the meeting inside - and what must be done. She turned to look at her beautiful homeland. If the Council accepted her offer, this could be the last time she might ever get to se her homeland. Taking a shaky breath, Sakura walked into the assembly hall. The hall was large enough to hold the entire Shielder colony and the closeness of the bodies inside, didn't dispell the cool dampness inside.
Fortunately, the entrance lay at the rear of the hall, so no one noticed her presence. At the far end the Council members sat upon a raised dais around a massive hald-circle of stone. The Council head, Captain Aiden san Avalon, stood explaining the crisis. Sakura slipped to the side of the crowd, where she could observe her father speaking.
" Our situation is critical. Five more colonists have been infected. We can delay no longer. We must take a sample of the Orana virus to our labortaory at Sonoma. It's the only Shielder facility capable of developing and antidote. " Aiden told the gathering.
" As if that isn't challenge enough, there's another problem. With the Controller's agents scanning most interseller space vechicles, the virus must be transported via a live host to prevent detection. "
The crowd acted audibly as his meaning sank in. The virus would be carried within the volunteer's body. Preferably someone dispensible, Sakura thought.
Someone such as herself.
" The person must be able to man a star-class ship. " Tori added. " Only a star class ship in capable of the trek. "
Sakura drank in the sight of her brother, pride momentarily dimming her inner turmoil.Tori displayed the calm, controlled assurance befitting a future Coiuncil head, the position he would inherit from their father. He represented everything she would never be.
" Do we have any volunteers? " Aiden scanned the faces of the Shielders grouped around the hall.
They shifted their feet nervously, shaking their heads and shrugging. Elder Gabe van Ardon stepped forward.
" I'll do it. I'm old and I've lived my life. My fighting skills are wanning. I'll carry the virus. "
Murmers of protest swept the room. Everyone respected the elder, a knowledgeable and skillful battle tactician. Most would certainly prefer Sakura's suggestion. Fear surged through her, followed by a flare of determination. No matter how disfigured she might be, no matter how flawed, she was still a Shielder, sworn enemy to the Controllers. She would never be allowed into combat against them, but she still could contribute to the cause. Resolute, she shoved her way to the front of the crowd.
" Don't sacrifice someone of value. Send me instead. "
Startled gasps of outrage and horror filled the room as he crowd around her hasitly parted and pressed back a safe distance. Sakura ignored them, but Aiden's icy gaze pierced her bolstered bravado.
" You know you are not allowed here. " he stated coldly. " Get out, or I will have you removed. "
Not just her father's callous words, but also his granite expression, wrenched Sakura deep inside. No love, no warmth, no sign of concern - of any feeling at all - for his only daughter, showed on his face. Sometimes she thought even hatred would be preferable to this frigid inifference.
She almost forgot her purpose here, tomented by the unanswered litany of questions rising from her soul. Spirit of being, why me? She pushed aside the futile question. Adrenaline pounded through her body, but she managed to meet Aiden's glare evenly.
" You have no other use for me Captain. "
" Hai, you are right about that. Not only are you useless to this colony, but your presence only upsets its members. " Aiden glowered accusingly at Tori.
Mutterings of agreement rose around Sakura. There was no need to put Aiden's thoughts into words, she knew what they were thinking. She shouldn't be alive to plague the colony, partaking of their pitifully few resources - wouldn't be, if it hadn't been for Tori.
Clenching her hands tightly at her side, she drew herself up to the fullest of her height.
" Then let me carry the virus to Sonoma. "
" Foolishness! " Elder Gabe scoffed. " The girl's not right in the head, we all know that. She couldn't possibly pilot a ship.
" Gabe's right. " Mara, a female soldier, agreed. " Possessed as she is, she probably couldn't get to Sonoma, much less communicate with the technicians there. "
" She's crazy, that's what she is. "
" Get here out of here before she jinxes us. "
Throughout it all, Sakura made herself stand quietly, to give no outward sign of recognition to the barbs. She'd heard then many times before.
With an angry slash of his arm, Aiden silenced the protestors.
" Enough! It is agreed we can't let a simpleminded girl who knows not the first thing about starships carry this virus to Sonoma, Sakura! Leave now! "
" I know how to pilot a starship. I've flown one many times. " Sakura turned to look at her brother.
" Tell them, Tori. "
All eyes focussed of Tori, he shook his head warningly at Sakura.
" Her offer in unacceptable. I'm one of your best pilots. I will go. "
She knew he wanted to protect her, as he had for so long now. As he had when the members of the colony voted to have her euthanized after her first seizures, which had caused her accident that crippled her. Afraid to die, she had allowed him to intervene on her behalf. At the time Sakura had despised herself for her cowardice. But no more.
" Let this wretched life have some worth, " she pleaded to her brother. " By the spirit, Tori, let me contribute like everyone else. "
Tori starred at her for a long moment, finally dropping his head in resignation. He turned to Aiden with a sigh.
" She does know how to fly a starship, sir. I taught her. I took her with me on solo reconnaissance missions. She's an adequate pilot. "
Shock etched Aiden's face, followed by a flush of anger.
" You had no right. But we'll deal with that later. Right now, we have more pressing mattters to attend to. " his gaze settled on Sakura, assessing her.
" So, you can pilot a ship, and you volunteer to carry a sample of the virus to Sonoma? "
" Hai, I volunteer. " Sakura replied, heart in her throat.
" And you are aware the virus will be inplanted within your body and that you will develop an active case of Orana within in one moon cycle? "
Her throat constricted, but she pressed on.
" Hai. "
" I assume you are also aware that those with Orana lose thier funtion of their mind shields, leaving them defenseless against the Controllers. Within days after the sheild loss, they die a hideous death. "
" I understand fully. "
Aiden assessed for a moment and then turned to the Council members.
" We could program the ship's destination and lock out override. Then she wouldn't be able to alter the course. She'd just have to monitor the basic ship functions. I vote, hai. "
The Coiuncil members raised their hands in agreement. Aiden nodded and turned back to her.
" It is decided then. Sakura dan Avalon will carry the virus to Sonoma. "
Several people threw her dirty looks, but Sakura ignored then as they dispersed. As awarenes of her victory set in, the strength deserted her Sakura's good leg. She stumbled and almost fell, but Tori caught her.
" I wish you wouldn't do this. " he told her.
She raised her eyes to his concerned expression.
" I have to. " she whispered. " I can no longer endure this existence. "
For she had just likely signed her death warrant. . .
* * *
Cluthing her bundle against her, Sakura approached her mother. Her stomach throbbed where the Orana virus had been injected into her, and the crude tunic of the pilgrim, rubbed against her skin. Aiden and Tori had concoted her disguise of a pilgrim traveling to Zirak to pay homage at the goddess Shara's shrine.
It was a clever idea, since Zirak was only 2 days light travel from Sonoms. Many pilgrims went there this time of year. Her disguise would easily decieve the Anteks, who patrolled all airspace for the Controllers.
But Sakura was thinking of her masquerade as she approached Natasha. Although she hadn't spoken to her mother for these seven seasons past, a compelling need drew her now. With her world about to change forever, the posible end of her life looming, Sakura yearned for the comfort only a mother could provide. It was childish, she knew, but then, she's been but a child the day her parents had turned their backs on her.
It was harsh, but it was the reality of the Shielder existence everywhere in the galaxy. The Controllers had driven the Shielders into the most destitute corners of space. With so few resources available, necessity dictated the survival of the fittest. Parents sharred their meager supplies and limited energies only with their healthy offspring. There was no time to mourn those euthanized or left behind to die.
It was a difficult reality for a girl of ten seasons to understand. Even after seven seasons, the pain of desertion lingered like a festuring wound.
Sakura starred at her mother as she went about her daily chores. She still looked young as ever, but deep lines scored her face, the result of Liron's unrelenting sun in the hotter months.
" Natasha? " she asked softly.
Natasha's head snapped up, her gaze narrowing.
" What do you want? "
" I'm getting ready to deport for Sonoma. "
Natasha drew herself up to her regal height Sakura knew she'd never reach.
" So I head. Why are you here? "
Sakura struggled to find words, which did not come readily to her. What could she have expected from what once had been her mother? A hug? A kiss goodbye?
" I wanted to say good-bye. "
Natasha starred at her, seemingly unmoved. With a glimmer of insight, Sakura thought perhaps the only way a parent could turn her back on her child was by forcing herself to no longer care. Her parents had certainly succeeded.
" Well, you've said it. " Natasha stated gruffly. " Be off with you then. " she whirled and strode into the hut behind her.
That was that. Fighting waves of despair, Sakura slid her burlap pack on her back and trudged away. Her mother would feel differently when she returned with the antidote for the virus. They all would.
Out of sight of Natasha, Sakura took the pack off her back and it shook and trembled as she undid the strings binding it. Kero's head popped out as he struggled to climb up on her shoulder.
" Kero! Get back inside. " she scooped the lanrax up and stuffed him back inside the bag.
" I just wanted to check on you. "
" Sakura! Wait up! "
She turned to see Tori hurrying down the hill. He smiled when he saw Kero.
" I'm glad you're taking Kero. He'll be good company on the trip. "
Sakura nestled the bag against her and looked up at Tori. Her emerald eyes dull with all the years of pain and suffering.
" I wanted to see you off. " Tori said softly looking at her.
" Oh. " she was accustomed to being an outcast, it hadn't occured to her that anyone would want to see her departure.
They headed towards the cliff, where the deep caves carved into a steep rock expanses hid the colony's ships. They walked in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
* * *
Sakura looked up at her brother and started to board the ship.
" Wait. "
She turned to look at Tori.
" Here. " he handed her a small pouch.
It clinked when she took it, and her head snapped up to look at him stunned. Money? He had given her money?
" Thank you. " she whispered. " Good-bye Onii-chan. "
Tori fought the tears that were threatening to spill.
" The Spirit be with you, imouta. Take great care. "
Then he did something that no one had done since her first seizure.
He hugged her.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
BW2 Please review! x x x
